Gendered Language: A Study of Sociolinguistic Theories and Approaches

Abstract

The variations in language use between men and women have been studied for a long time. Lexical choices made by the speakers or writers play on the cognition of the listener or reader and reduplicate gender related biases or preconceived notions even when the recipients of the message are gender neutral. This process is unconscious and automatic. Gender differences and biases based upon these have been and are an indivisible facet of the global cultural ethos. Patriarchal social design and traditional practices titled in disfavour of women continue to foster gender bias. Inequality between genders is multidimensional and for this very reason, a challenge for social scientists and policy makers. The aim of this paper is to look at the disparities in gendered language and to conclude if there is such a thing as gendered language. It also clarifies the meanings of few gender-linguistic words. The paper also seeks to clarify these variations on the grounds of these differences and changes. The study summarises a large number of leading theories on the question of gendered language and sociolinguistic factors that may be the cause of such variations in language use and why there may be a need to look at the issue of gendered language through a more magnifying glass.

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Keywords: Gendered language, identity, society, second language development, domination